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Thu, 06 Aug 2026

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 The homeowners selling up for a life on the water

Growing numbers of people are swapping mortgages for moorings amid the cost of living crisis.
Andy Brown, who lives on a narrowboat with his wife, says it has been a "fantastic" experience, allowing them to see places they wouldn't have seen otherwise. He notes that while it's not significantly cheaper than living in a house, it's still a more affordable option for them. Ken Marshall, who owns a boat called Willow, says he has no regrets about selling his house and moving onto the water. He enjoys the sense of community among boaters and appreciates being able to choose his surroundings. Eric Wilson is new to life on the water and finds it challenging, especially with traveling around. He hopes to get used to locks and steering so he can travel the canal network in his new home. Alex Hennessy, national boating manager at the Canal and River Trust, advises anyone considering a life on the water to do their homework and try hiring a boat first before making the transition.